Baked Ziti

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Baked Ziti

Yield: 6

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 55 Min

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish, Baked Ziti is the way to go! This baked pasta casserole is loaded with tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and plenty of mozzarella, making every bite extra cheesy and flavorful. It's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep! Let's dive into this easy and delicious recipe.

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Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 12 oz ziti pasta (or any tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. In a large baking dish (9x13 inches works well), spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
2. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the baking dish, then pour the cheese mixture over the pasta and stir gently to combine.
3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta and cheese, spreading it out evenly.
4. Top everything with the remaining mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy layer on top.

Bake the Ziti

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes.
2. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.

Serve

1. Let the baked ziti cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!

Notes

Tips:

• Meat lovers: Add some ground beef, sausage, or pepperoni to the sauce to make it a meaty baked ziti.
• For extra flavour: Stir in some garlic and onions to the sauce before adding it to the pasta.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the ziti the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just bake it for a little longer if it’s cold from the fridge.

This Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and so satisfying! Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

495

Fat

20 g

Sat. Fat

12 g

Carbs

50 g

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

47 g

Sugar

5 g

Protein

28 g

Sodium

821 mg

Cholesterol

94 mg

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